Published on 2 June 2026

Information for authorities

FAQ on the interaction between AGOV and the e-ID – for authorities (agov.ch/abc)

AGOV: The authentication service of the Swiss authorities

The Federal Act on the Use of Electronic Means to Carry Out Official Tasks (EMOTA German: EMBAG ) mandates the Swiss Federal Chancellery to provide an authentication service for all Swiss authorities (AGOV). AGOV can be used in all contexts: E-Government, Enterprise, i.e., X2G. For the E-Government of the central Federal Administration, AGOV is mandatory, while it is recommended for all other Swiss authorities; third-party systems can be connected to AGOV provided this is permitted by the EMBAG or special legislation. There are no restrictions on the end-user side: AGOV is available internationally to all people, for example as private individuals, employees of an authority, representatives of the business community, and other groups of people.

What is AGOV?

  • Login System and Identity Provider: AGOV offers its own electronic identities with self-service registration, as well as the option to link a state e-ID or a physical ID card. In addition, an AHV number (Swiss social security number) can also be stored.
  • e-ID Compatible: The Swiss e-ID can be used directly as a login factor (presenting the e-ID = logged in: Video) or stored as proof of identity. The latter is technically also possible for foreign digital identity credentials.
  • Governance and Management: Control and strategic management of AGOV are carried out by the Swiss Federal Chancellery.
  • Target Systems (Relying Parties): Open to all Swiss authorities and beyond, in accordance with the rules in the EMBAG and special legal provisions.
  • End Users: Available without restriction to all natural persons worldwide, whether acting for themselves or for others (e.g., legal entities). An AGOV account remains available for life. Multiple AGOV accounts per person are possible. It is also possible to link multiple AGOV accounts to a single e-ID.
  • Rights and Roles: AGOV is not an access management system; rights and roles are the responsibility of the target systems.
  • Mapping of Affiliations: AGOV accepts digital authorization credentials (Verifiable Credentials - VCs) from the e-ID ecosystem that map affiliations, and forwards their information to the target systems. This applies to all VCs from the e-ID ecosystem.

Added Value for Authorities

The deployment of AGOV not only optimizes security but also reduces costs:

  • Secure and Accessible for All Users: AGOV is based on the IAM (Identity and Access Management) technology used within the Swiss police and judicial systems. It is easy to use and barrier-free (accessible).
  • Strong Login Factors Only: AGOV access app, FIDO security keys, and direct e-ID deployment. See video.
  • Cost Efficiency: Authorities do not need to operate their own Identity Providers (IdP). The cost contribution for the cantons is around 28 centimes per inhabitant per year. There are no costs for municipalities and third parties (subject to re-billing by the cantons). There are no costs for the administrative units of the central or decentralized Federal Administration (the federal share of 50% is financed centrally via the Federal Chancellery).
  • Reliable Operations: A 24/7 operations team ensures fast response times in the event of disruptions.
  • Simple Integration: Thanks to global standards (SAML & OIDC), target applications can be connected without complex code modifications.
  • e-ID Transparent: Full e-ID utilization is possible for target systems without requiring them to be adapted for the e-ID; standard SAML & OIDC apply. This also applies to third-party digital credentials from the e-ID ecosystem, such as a high school graduation certificate (Maturitätszeugnis).
  • Voluntary e-ID Usage: AGOV offers authentication at Level of Assurance 3 (LOA3) both with and without the use of the e-ID. Identity verification without an e-ID is possible using physical ID documents (internationally) at low transaction costs (these are either billed to the authority or paid online by the end users).

Connection to AGOV: How it works

Authorities can use AGOV as an exclusive or complementary login method.

Technical Connection

  • Protocols: The connection is established via OIDC or SAML: agov.ch/spec.
  • Flexibility: Target applications can be connected directly or via existing IAM systems (to create SSO domains).
  • Self-Service: Authorities and suppliers configure the connections themselves via the AGOV connect portal, with guidance and support from the Federal Chancellery.
  • Simple and Real PoCs and Tests: No separate sandbox is required; all stages of the target application can be connected directly to the AGOV production environment.

Procedure for Authorities

  • Registration: Interested authorities initiate the process according to the instructions. Information on the application and connection procedure can be found at agov.ch/get.
  • Agreement: The basis for usage is an agreement between the respective authority (e.g., canton) and the Swiss Federal Chancellery. Municipalities usually do not have direct contracts with the Federal Chancellery; instead, they operate under their specific cantonal agreement.
  • Federal Administration: The central Federal Administration typically obtains AGOV via eIAM (www.eiam.admin.ch/check). The decentralized Federal Administration can either obtain AGOV via eIAM or use AGOV directly.

Documentation & Support

Detailed specifications, release notes, and an expert forum can be found in the protected area:

AGOV videos for authorities

The Swiss Federal Chancellery produces informative videos on various AGOV-related topics for the attention of Swiss authorities and other AGOV relying parties: AGOV videos for authorities.